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04:32
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
[Acinetobacter in a metropolitan neonatal unit: clinical and microbiological aspects]
M A Oto1, A Fernández, R Jerez
1Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile.
Revista Chilena De Pediatria
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (ACA) infections were identified in three infants in a neonatal unit. Strict environmental and staff hygiene measures prevented a wider outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticus is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Neonatal units are susceptible to healthcare-associated infections.
Observation:
- Two strains of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, var. anitratus (ACA) and var. Iwoffi, were isolated from three neonates within a month.
- Infections and colonization occurred in infants with surgical histories and proximity to infected cases.
- The microorganism was also detected in nursery equipment and on nursing staff hands.
Findings:
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus (ACA) caused skin infection and colonization in two neonates.
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. Iwoffi caused early septicaemia in a third neonate, who recovered after gentamicin treatment.
- Environmental and personnel screening revealed the pathogen in thermometers and on staff hands, with prior isolations from operating rooms.
Implications:
- Effective infection control measures, including environmental surveillance, barrier precautions, and enhanced hand hygiene, are crucial in neonatal units.
- Prompt identification and implementation of control strategies can prevent the spread of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and avoid outbreaks.
- This case highlights the importance of vigilant microbiological surveillance and adherence to infection control protocols in preventing neonatal sepsis and colonization.
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